Ajax, formerly known as ‘Rancho Picopop”, has died just short of age 14 – he died on Sunday August 23, 2009 at 5:30 in the morning.

He was born in November of 1995, and adopted in June of 1998. When I went to the kennel to adopt him, the ever wonderful Paul was dealing with an outbreak of dogs with kennel sickness, and Ajax was the only dog cleared for adoption – he came racing out of Paul’s kennel, a giant vital red dog compared to the 3 lovely fey girls I had adopted previously, and ran right up and nuzzled me, jumping off the ground a foot into the air with excitement. It was instant love and affection between us, although we did discuss who was REALLY the Alpha dog from that moment on – but he was always a gentleman and elegant in his attitude.

He was a wonderful pet living with me for almost 11 years, the fourth in a line of Greyhounds that stretches back for 25 years in my same little house. Always very strong, with age his sight had dimmed, his step had slowed, and his hearing had diminished, but his capacity for love and affection had only grown through the years. The burden of daily life had grown too heavy for him, and he died very quietly, paw in my hand, just slipping away as dawn was breaking. He had numerous friends and was a constant presence on my street – everyone who met him loved him, even non-dog people – he had numerous dog friends as well.

He was a tremendous public ambassador for Greyhound rescue, and was responsible for 3 adoptions (that I know of – perhaps more) from WAG. He was active in the Winsted CT pet parade until last year, often marching alongside other adopted Greyhounds and at least one Italian Greyhound and a Whippet. He was a friend to the now departed Noel the Cat, who died in March of this year at the age of 24 – Noel had been witness to, and friend of, all 4 of my Greyhounds, and each of them treated him with respect, and at times, grudging affection.

He will be missed, but I know he is romping at the bridge with the girls and Noel (who left early to introduce them all to each other I think). A great dog, with a fantastic attitude who was always there for me – I am happy that I was able to be there for him too – being unemployed since mid March, I was able to provide almost everything he needed in his final months, when he needed companionship and help the most. He was a wonderful dog, a friend and boon companion till the end.

David Hoover – proud owner and friend to Susan, Zelda, Blanche, and Ajax the Greyhounds, friends in life, and always with me in my heart, until we all meet again.

Ajax

November 16, 1995

August 23, 2009